Reaching Emerging Generations
by Steve Dunn, Chairman
ERC Commission on Evangleism.

     A term often used to describe those generations born after 1977 is the Bridgers. It comes from the idea these are the generations whose lives bridge the change from the 20th century (dominated by modernism) and the 21st century (dominated by postmodernism.) Thom Rainer in his excellent book The Bridger Generation (2006, Broadman and Holman) identifies the following characteristics of churches that are effectively reaching the Bridgers. How many of these are true about your church?

Characteristics of Churches Effectively Reaching Bridgers

1. Unconditional love
2. Adult to Bridger mentoring
3. Intentional evangelism
4. High expectations
5. Cultural sensitivity
6. Biblical preaching
7. Prayer ministries
8. Parental training
9. Godly youth leadership
10. Effective Bible study
11. Exclusivity of Christ
12. Involved in ministry

I highly recommend this book as one you ought to read in 2008 if you are concerned about raising the evangelistic temperature of your church.